Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Port Elizabeth) to Johannesburg is by taking a connecting domestic flight to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). It's the fastest option (total travel time: ~4-5 hours door-to-door) and offers the best balance of cost and convenience for most travelers. The cheapest option is the intercity bus, with fares from ZAR 500, but it takes 12+ hours.
Domestic Flight: The Fastest & Most Convenient Option
Flying is the most efficient way to cover the ~1000km distance between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. While the flight itself is only about 1 hour 45 minutes, the total "door-to-door" time is crucial to consider.
Step-by-Step Guide & Key Considerations
- Airport Transfer in Port Elizabeth: Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (PLZ) is small and close to the city. A taxi or ride-share (like Uber) to the terminal takes 10-15 minutes from most areas.
- Check-in & Security: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. PLZ is generally uncrowded.
- The Flight: Direct flights are operated by Airlink, FlySafair, and CemAir. There are no non-stop flights on large international carriers for this route.
- Arrival in Johannesburg: You will land at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), South Africa's main hub. Your baggage claim and exit are in the domestic arrivals section.
- Getting to Your Final Destination: From JNB, you can take the Gautrain to Sandton or Pretoria, a taxi, a ride-share, or a rental car.
Flight Cost & Booking Tips
Fares vary widely (ZAR 1500 â ZAR 4000+ one-way). Budget airlines like FlySafair often offer the best deals. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for better prices. Use comparison sites like Travelstart but always check the airline's official website for baggage policies.
| Airline | Typical Fare Range (One-Way) | Baggage Allowance (Checked) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlySafair | ZAR 800 - ZAR 2200 | 20kg (paid add-on) | Strict baggage rules, lowest base fares. |
| Airlink | ZAR 1800 - ZAR 3500 | 20kg (often included) | Full-service regional airline, more flexible. |
| CemAir | ZAR 1500 - ZAR 3000 | 23kg (included) | Smaller carrier, schedule may vary. |
Intercity Bus: The Most Economical Choice
For budget-conscious travelers without time constraints, long-distance buses are the undisputed cheapest method. The journey is long (12-14 hours) but traverses diverse landscapes like the Karoo.
Types of Bus Services
- Standard/Semi-Luxury Buses (Day & Night): Operators like Intercape and Greyhound offer reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard toilets. Night buses allow you to save on a night's accommodation.
- Luxury Buses: Intercape's Sleepliner offers more legroom and greater seat recline. It's the premium bus experience.
Key Routes & Pickup/Drop-off Points
Buses do not go to the airport. You must get from PLZ to the Port Elizabeth Bus Station (in the city center). In Johannesburg, you arrive at the Park Station complex in the city center, from where you can connect to the Gautrain, taxis, or other transport to your final destination or OR Tambo.
Journey Details: Buses make several rest stops (15-30 minutes) at designated garages. It's advisable to bring snacks, water, and entertainment.
Booking & Practical Advice
Booking in advance is essential, especially before weekends and holidays. Check luggage limits (usually 1x 20kg suitcase in the hold + small hand luggage). Online booking is straightforward via operator websites.
Train: The Scenic & Unconventional Route
Note: Long-distance passenger train services in South Africa are limited. As of now, there is no direct, regular long-distance passenger train from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg. The famous Shosholoza Meyl service on this route has been suspended for years.
Alternative Train-involved Itinerary
The only feasible train option is a complex multi-modal journey:
- Take a bus or flight from Port Elizabeth to Bloemfontein.
- From Bloemfontein, catch the Shosholoza Meyl Trans-Karoo or Premier Classe train to Johannesburg. This leg takes ~12 hours.
This is not recommended for efficiency but is an option for dedicated rail enthusiasts seeking a unique experience. Total travel time exceeds 24 hours.
Luxury Rail Alternative: The Blue Train
For an ultra-luxurious (and extremely expensive) experience, The Blue Train occasionally runs itineraries that include this region, but it's a multi-day, all-inclusive journey starting from Cape Town, not a point-to-point transport solution.
Car Rental & Self-Drive
Renting a car at PLZ and driving to Johannesburg offers maximum flexibility for exploring along the way, such as the Garden Route or Karoo towns.
The Drive: N1 Highway via Bloemfontein
The most common route is via the N1 national highway. The distance is approximately 1050 km, and the drive takes 10-12 hours non-stop, but we strongly advise breaking it into a 2-day trip.
Pros, Cons & Costs
| Pros | Cons | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Complete freedom to stop and explore. | Long, tiring drive with risk of fatigue. | Rental Car: ZAR 400 - ZAR 800/day Fuel: ~ZAR 1800 (for avg. car) Tolls: ~ZAR 300 Accommodation: Extra cost for overnight stop. |
| Ideal for families or groups with lots of luggage. | Requires familiarity with SA road rules and conditions. | |
| Cost-effective for 3-4 people. | One-way drop-off fees can be very high. |
Essential Tip: If you choose this option, rent from a major agency (e.g., Avis, Budget, Europcar) at the airport, ensure unlimited mileage, and verify if one-way rental is allowed and at what cost.
Private Airport Transfer / Chauffeured Car
This is the most expensive but also the most comfortable and hassle-free door-to-door option. A professional driver will meet you at PLZ arrivals and drive you directly to your address in Johannesburg.
Who Should Consider This?
- Business Travelers: Needing to work en route or arriving late/after a long flight.
- Families/Groups (4+): The per-person cost can become comparable to flights for a group.
- Travelers with Special Needs or High Value Luggage.
- Those Arriving at Odd Hours when other transport is scarce.
Cost & Service Details
Prices range from ZAR 8,000 to ZAR 15,000+ for the one-way trip, depending on vehicle type (sedan, SUV, minivan) and service level. The journey takes the same 10-12 hours as self-driving, but you can relax. Reputable companies can be booked online in advance.
Warning: This is not a taxi. It is a pre-booked, exclusive service. Do not confuse it with trying to find a metered taxi for this distance, which would be prohibitively expensive and logistically difficult.
Transport Cost & Time Comparison Table
Use this table to quickly compare all options at a glance and decide which best suits your budget and schedule.
| Transport Method | Approx. Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Approx. Cost (One-Way, per person) | Key Convenience Factor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Flight | 4 - 5 hours | ZAR 1,500 - ZAR 4,000 | Speed & Efficiency | Most travelers, time-sensitive trips |
| Intercity Bus | 13 - 15 hours | ZAR 500 - ZAR 1,200 | Ultra-Low Cost | Budget backpackers, flexible solo travelers |
| Self-Drive (Car Rental) | 10 - 12+ hours (driving) | ZAR 2,500+ (total for car + fuel) | Total Freedom & Flexibility | Families, groups, road-trippers |
| Private Transfer | 10 - 12 hours | ZAR 8,000 - ZAR 15,000+ | Door-to-Door Luxury & Comfort | Business, groups, special occasions |
| Train (Multi-modal) | 24+ hours | Varies widely | Scenic Novelty | Rail enthusiasts only |
Our Verdict: For most visitors, the domestic flight offers the best value. If your budget is tight and time is plentiful, the bus is a reliable and very affordable alternative.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Practical Insights You Won't Find in a Schedule
- Flight vs. Bus Realities: That 1h45m flight sounds quick, but when you add airport transfers, check-in, security, and baggage claim, it's a half-day affair. The 13-hour bus ride is a full-day commitment. Choose based on your total trip time, not just movement time.
- For Bus Travelers: Pack a neck pillow, warm layer (aircon can be cold), snacks, and downloaded movies. The onboard toilet is basic; use the proper rest stops when possible.
- For Drivers: Do not drive this distance at night. Wildlife (and sometimes livestock) on the road is a real hazard, especially in the Karoo. Plan an overnight stop in towns like Colesberg or Bloemfontein.
- Booking Timing: Flight and bus prices spike during school holidays, Easter, and December/January. Book as far in advance as possible for these periods.
- Johannesburg Arrival: Whether you land at OR Tambo or arrive at Park Station, have your next step (Gautrain ticket, Uber pickup point) pre-planned to avoid confusion in busy terminals.
- Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is good on the N1 highway and in towns, but can be patchy in remote areas of the Karoo during a bus or car journey.
FAQs: Getting from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg
Is there a direct train from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg?
No. There is currently no direct long-distance passenger train service on this route. The Shosholoza Meyl service is suspended. Any train journey would require connecting via another city (like Bloemfontein) by bus first, making it very time-consuming.
What is the cheapest way to get from PLZ Airport to Johannesburg?
The intercity bus is the cheapest way, with fares starting around ZAR 500. Remember, you'll need to take a short taxi (ZAR 150-250) from the airport to the Port Elizabeth bus station first.
What is the fastest way to get from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg?
The domestic flight is the fastest, with a total door-to-door travel time of approximately 4 to 5 hours.
How far in advance should I book a flight or bus?
For the best prices, book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. For travel during South African school holidays or the December summer break, try to book 2-3 months ahead.
Is it safe to drive from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg?
Yes, the N1 highway is a major, well-maintained road. Safety primarily depends on driver behavior: avoid driving at night, obey speed limits, take regular breaks to combat fatigue, and keep doors locked in urban areas. Be vigilant for stray animals on rural stretches.
If I land at OR Tambo late at night, what's my best option to get to the city?
Your best options are: 1) A pre-booked private transfer (most reliable), 2) An official airport taxi from the rank (metered, but more expensive), or 3) Uber/Bolt (usually available, but confirm pickup location). The Gautrain does not operate 24 hours.
Is flying or taking the bus better for a family with young children?
For young children, flying is almost always the better choice. A 13+ hour bus ride is very challenging for small kids. The short flight is much more manageable, even considering airport time. The cost for a family can add up, so compare group flight fares against the cost of a rental car for a 2-day trip.
Can I use my international credit card to book buses and flights online in South Africa?
Yes, major booking platforms and direct airline/bus websites accept international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). Some may use 3D Secure authentication. It's the easiest way for international travelers to book.